Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute kidney injury due to Leptospira interrogans in 4 foals and use of renal replacement therapy with intermittent hemodiafiltration in 1 foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Fouché, Nathalie et al.
- Affiliation:
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Four 2-month-old foals were taken to a horse hospital because they had sudden kidney problems caused by a bacteria called Leptospira interrogans. They showed signs like being very tired, having a fever, and not wanting to nurse. Tests revealed issues like high levels of waste products in their blood, low red blood cell counts, and low sodium and chloride levels. The diagnosis was confirmed through urine tests and blood tests. They received treatment with fluids and antibiotics, and one foal also underwent a special procedure to help with kidney function. Fortunately, all four foals recovered and were able to go home.
Abstract
Four 2-month-old foals were presented to an equine hospital with acute kidney injury caused by Leptospira interrogans infection. Clinical signs were nonspecific and included lethargy, fever, and unwillingness to nurse. The most important hematologic and clinicopathologic findings were azotemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, and hypochloremia. The diagnosis was based on urinary real-time PCR, serology using a microscopic agglutination test, or both. The most important serovars involved were L. interrogans serogroup australis serovar Bratislava and Australis. Treatment consisted of IV fluid therapy and antimicrobial treatment. Renal replacement therapy with hemodiafiltration was performed in 1 of the foals. All foals survived to discharge. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in foals with acute kidney injury caused by L. interrogans infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31999382/